Exposed to asbestos as an apprentice engineer
Thompsons Solicitors has succeeded in obtaining substantial compensation for an engineer diagnosed with fatal asbestos cancer.
The 69-year-old, from Rushden, Northamptonshire was exposed to asbestos while working as an apprentice engineer for a moulding machine manufacturer from 1957 to 1966 and from 1973 to 1987.
He spent five years as an apprentice before becoming a qualified engineer. His responsibilities included working with asbestos.
Never warned about the dangers of asbestos nor given adequate protection
He was never warned about the dangers of asbestos nor given adequate protection from the dust.
He first began to suffer from symptoms of asbestos related cancer mesothelioma in February 2011 and was diagnosed with the fatal disease in March that year.
The unmarried pensioner, who cares for his sister, contacted Derbyshire Asbestos Support Team (DAST) who assisted him with benefits applications and informed him about claiming compensation from his former employers.
Thompsons Solicitors obtained compensation
He instructed asbestos claims experts Thompsons Solicitors who successfully secured substantial damages.
He said: “When I was diagnosed with mesothelioma my first concern was for my sister who I have cared for since our mother died 10 years ago. It is a relief to know that this compensation is now available to look after her in the future.”
Joanne Gordon from DAST said: “As a result of the legacy of asbestos in the Derbyshire area we have provided free support to hundreds of sufferers and their families affected by mesothelioma.
Nicola Harrison from Thompsons Solicitors added: “It was particularly important to our client that his case was settled during his lifetime so he could make provisions for his sister. I was able to trace his former employer’s insurers for the period he was exposed to asbestos and brought his claim to a swift successful conclusion.”
Asbestos disease diagnosis? Talk to us for advice and support on how to secure compensation.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, we can support you with advice on how to make a claim.
The process will be explained in plain English and with no obligation – our priority is to provide you with the best, expert advice on whether you have a valid case for compensation, and to signpost you to further sources of support.
There are strict time limits applied to making a claim – usually three years from the date of diagnosis. It doesn’t matter if the exposure to asbestos took place – as it often does – decades ago, the three year time limit applies to the date of knowledge of diagnosis or date of death.
For further information, visit our How to Make A Compensation Claim page.